80th anniversary of 'King Kong'

The original 1933 monster classic debuted 80 years ago at Radio City

March 7, 2013 7:20 AM

Photo: John Kobal Foundation

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Eighty years ago, the RKO picture "King Kong" transformed Hollywood while pioneering stop-motion techniques and special effects. The story remained so popular that the original was remade in 1976 and 2005.

Eighty years ago, the RKO picture "King Kong" transformed Hollywood while pioneering stop-motion techniques and special effects. The story remained so popular that the original was remade in 1976 and 2005.

One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, hirsute star of the classic monster movie "King Kong."

One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, hirsute star of the classic monster movie "King Kong."

Photo: Ernest Bachrach, Getty Images

One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, hirsute star... Photo-4293200.58017 - seattlepi.com

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One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, poised above the New York skyline in a scene from the classic monster movie "King Kong." In one of his enormous hands is leading lady Fay Wray, the film's heroine.

One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, poised above the New York skyline in a scene from the classic monster movie "King Kong." In one of his enormous hands is leading lady Fay Wray, the film's ... more

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

One of John Cerisoli's models of the giant ape, poised above... Photo-4293212.58017 - seattlepi.com

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Canadian actress Fay Wray in the clutches of King Kong, in a scene from the Hollywood horror movie, "King Kong."

Canadian actress Fay Wray in the clutches of King Kong, in a scene from the Hollywood horror movie, "King Kong."

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

Canadian actress Fay Wray in the clutches of King Kong, in a scene... Photo-4293196.58017 - seattlepi.com

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Actress Fay Wray in RKO's film production of "King Kong."

Actress Fay Wray in RKO's film production of "King Kong."

Photo: RKO Pictures, Getty Images

Actress Fay Wray in RKO's film production of "King... Photo-4293214.58017 - seattlepi.com

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John Cerisoli's model of the giant ape climbs a mountain carrying a miniature Fay Wray doll, in a scene from the classic monster movie "King Kong."

John Cerisoli's model of the giant ape climbs a mountain carrying a miniature Fay Wray doll, in a scene from the classic monster movie "King Kong."

Photo: Ernest Bachrach, Getty Images

John Cerisoli's model of the giant ape climbs a mountain... Photo-4293199.58017 - seattlepi.com